Sir, - In the course of a Prime Time RTE debate on November 5th, a GAA official stated that the GAA in Northern Ireland did not receive support from public funds. For many years the GAA as well as other sports bodies have been receiving generous support from public funds in Northern Ireland. At present the GAA is refurbishing Casement Park, Belfast at an estimated cost of £2.2 million with the aid of a £1.8 million grant from the British government.
In the Prime Time debate the official in question appeared to be worried about people subject to an oath of allegiance to the Crown gaining admission to the GAA if the ban on the RUC and British Army were lifted. For generations national teachers and other public officials in Northern Ireland have given outstanding service to the GAA. Four GAA presidents came from that constituency - a constituency whose numbers were subject to an oath of allegiance to the Crown as a condition of their employment. - Yours, etc.,
Rathgar, Dublin 6.